What you need to know about:

Radiofrequency Ablation

Fast Fact

94%

Worth It Rating

Average Cost:

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Recovery Period:

1-2 weeks

Permanence:

Several months or more

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Doctors

Time it takes:

30 to 90 minutes

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Anesthetize:

General anesthesia

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Overview of

Radiofrequency Ablation

in Thailand

Cardiac Radiofrequency ablation (RF ablation) is a treatment for arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) that restores regular heart rhythm by using high-frequency radio waves that are sent through catheters placed in the heart. When your heart beats, the electrical signals that cause your heart to squeeze (contract) must follow a specific pathway through your heart. Any disruption in the signaling pathway can trigger an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia). The radio waves then destroy the areas of the heart where the electrical activity is abnormal.

Goals of

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency abltion is usually used to treat atril fibrillation but depending on your type of heart rhythm problem, cardiac ablation may be one of your first treatments. Other times, it's done when other medicines or treatments don't work.

Your doctor may recommend cardiac ablation if you:

-Have tried medications to treat an arrhythmia without success

-Have had serious side effects from medications to treat arrhythmias

-Have certain types of arrhythmias that respond well to ablation, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and supraventricular tachycardia

-Have a high risk of complications from arrhythmias, such as sudden cardiac arrest

Price of

Radiofrequency Ablation

Average Cost

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Price Range

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Pros and cons of

Radiofrequency Ablation

Pros

-High success rate

-Low risk of complications

-Quick recovery

Cons

-Repeat procedure

-Medication may still be needed.

How It Works:

Radiofrequency Ablation

An intravenous line (IV) will be started for fluids and medications. You will be given a medication through your intravenous that will make you drowsy or sleepy. A local anesthetic will be injected into the groin to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted. The doctor will insert the catheter through a vein at the groin. Once the catheters reach the chambers of the heart, they can sense the electrical activity and be used to evaluate your heart’s conduction system. When the location of the abnormality is found (the cause of the arrhythmia), the doctor will then use a catheter than can transmit high-frequency radio waves into that area and use radiofrequency to destroy abnormal electrical activity. After the ablation the doctor will check that the radio waves were applied to the right area by sending electrical signals to the heart or using intravenous medication. The procedure will take approximately 3-4 hours to complete, but complicated procedures may take longer.

Preparation before

Radiofrequency Ablation

Pre - treatment

Please avoid food and water for at least eight hours before the procedure. Please let the doctor know about all medication that you are taking as some may need to be stopped before the procedure. Cardiac ablation is done in the hospital. A specialist will insert an IV into your forearm or hand and give you a medication called a sedative to help you relax. The amount of sedation needed for the procedure depends on your specific arrhythmia and other health conditions. You may be being fully awake or lightly sedated, or you may be given general anesthesia (fully asleep).

Recovery after

Radiofrequency Ablation

Post - treatment

After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area for observation and monitoring. You will need to lie flat for four to six hours to prevent bleeding. During this time, pressure may be applied to the catheter removal site to prevent bleeding. You can expect to be in the hospital for 1-2 days. Ask your health care team when you can shower, return to work, and resume other normal activities. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for one week. Your puncture site is likely to remain tender for a while. It may be slightly bruised and have a small bump.

Risks & side effects

Swelling, bleeding, and infection at the catheter site Allergic reaction to the medications or contrast used during the procedure Cardiac perforation or bleeding in the pericardium. Recurrence of arrhythmia. Blood clot leading to stroke, heart attack, or other problems Death Let your doctor know if you develop problems, such as: Bleeding at the insertion site, bruising, or pain when the area is touched Signs of infection such as redness, drainage, or fever Chest pain or shortness of breath Dizziness or fainting

FAQs:

Radiofrequency Ablation

Are there any travel restrictions before and after the procedure?

Before the procedure You should plan to stay in Thailand for at least one week through the duration of your treatment. It is recommended that you stay in a hotel close to the hospital for convenience in traveling to the hospital before and after the procedure or from the day of the procedure to the day of your follow-up appointment. After the Procedure At your follow-up appointment you will undergo a physical examination and your wound will be checked. You will receive documentation regarding your surgery or procedure and all other relevant documentation for traveling. Avoid activities that require strenuous pulling, pushing, shoving, or lifting as well as kneeling. These can cause bleeding from the injection site at the groin. Keep the injection site at the groin dry and clean until it is fully healed. Please let the doctor know if you experience redness, swelling, and/or severe pain. If there is bleeding from the injection site, place pressure on the site for at least 10 minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, please talk to your doctor immediately. When traveling by air, if you are seated in Economy Class, please choose an exit row or bulkhead seat for convenience in getting up and moving around every 15-30 minutes. Flex your ankles regularly to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Please take all medication prescribed by your doctor. Carry the appropriate dosage of mediation in your carry-on luggage when you travel as well as a few extra doses in case of an emergency. Carry the prescription for all your medication to avoid problems at the airport.

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What is the success rate for this procedure?

Depending on the type of arrhythmia being treated, catheter ablation can have a success rate of more than 90 percent, but some people may need to have the procedure again or other treatments for heart arrhythmias. Your doctor may want you to remain on medications to help control your heartbeat.

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How long does a catheter ablation take?

The entire ablation procedure takes between 3 to 4 hours to perform, including the time needed to prepare for the procedure and to remove the catheters from the body.

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